🌲🏔️ If it’s your first visit to Glacier National Park, you might be wondering: What are the must-see sights in this First-Timer’s Guide? Which hikes are great for beginners? Where can I spot wildlife safely?
This first-timer’s guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip with must-see locations, easy hikes, and top wildlife-watching areas!
📍 Must-See Sights in Glacier National Park
Here are the iconic places you shouldn’t miss!
🚗 1. Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Glacier → St. Mary)
🚙 The most scenic drive in the park is this 50-mile road that winds through stunning landscapes and offers breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain valleys.
📌 Top Stops Along the Way:
✅ Lake McDonald – The biggest lake in Glacier, a great place to kayak, watch the sunset, and take pictures.
✅ Logan Pass – The highest point on the road and a great place to see mountain goats!
✅ Jackson Glacier Overlook – This is one of the best places to see a glacier without having to hike.
✅ Wild Goose Island Overlook – A popular shooting location that has been used in films such as The Shining.
🔗 Going-to-the-Sun Road Info & Reservations
🏞️ 2. St. Mary & Two Medicine (Less Crowded & Stunning Views!)
These areas offer incredible scenery without the crowds of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
📌 Top Things to Do:
✔️ Visit St. Mary Falls & Virginia Falls – Two of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park with a short hike.
✔️ Drive to Two Medicine Lake – A hidden gem with stunning lake views and fewer crowds.
✔️ See Running Eagle Falls – A short, wheelchair-friendly walk to a unique double waterfall.
Optional: Take a boat tour at St. Mary Lake!
🏔️ 3. Many Glacier (📍 Hidden Gem!)
If you have the extra time, Many Glacier is definitely worth visiting. However, beware of 2025 road construction (Click here regarding shuttle reservations) and limitations.
📌 Top Things to Do:
✔️ Hike to Grinnell Lake – An easy (and scenic) hike!
✔️ Take a Boat Tour – Stunning views while not having to hike.
✔️ Wildlife Viewing – Spot bears, moose, and bighorn sheep!
🥾 Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Glacier
If you’re new to hiking, these trails offer great views without being too challenging!
🌲 1. Trail of the Cedars & Avalanche Lake
- 📍 Location: West Glacier
- 📏 Distance: 4.5 miles RT
- 🏔️ Elevation Gain: 750 ft
- 🌟 Why It’s Great: A beautiful trail through old-growth cedars leading to a glacial lake.
🌄 2. Hidden Lake Overlook
- 📍 Location: Logan Pass
- 📏 Distance: 2.7 miles RT
- 🏔️ Elevation Gain: 540 ft
- 🌟 Why It’s Great: A fairly easy high-altitude hike with stunning panoramic views and frequent mountain goat sightings!
💦 3. St. Mary Falls & Virginia Falls
- 📍 Location: St. Mary
- 📏 Distance: 3.6 miles RT
- 🏔️ Elevation Gain: 525 ft
- 🌟 Why It’s Great: Two stunning waterfalls with an easy-to-moderate hike.
🦌 4. Redrock Falls
- 📍 Location: Many Glacier
- 📏 Distance: 3.6 miles RT
- 🏔️ Elevation Gain: 100 ft
- 🌟 Why It’s Great: Flat, easy trail with frequent moose sightings.
🦅 Best Wildlife-Watching Spots in Glacier
Glacier National Park is home to: 🐻 Grizzly & Black Bears, 🦌 Moose, 🐏 Bighorn Sheep, 🐐 Mountain Goats, & More!
🔎 Where to Spot Wildlife:
📍 Many Glacier: Best for moose, bears, and bighorn sheep
📍 Logan Pass: Great for mountain goats & marmots
📍 Two Medicine: Good for elk and moose
📍 Bowman Lake: Remote area with fewer crowds, great for birdwatching
There have been times where I have spotted moose while hiking to Virginia Falls! Also, bears are coming along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, especially in the early morning. So always keep your eyes open!
💡 Wildlife-Watching Tips:
✔️ Go early (sunrise) or late (sunset) for the best chances.
✔️ Bring binoculars for distant wildlife viewing.
✔️ Stay 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from other animals.
✔️ Never feed or approach wildlife!
✅ First-Timer’s Glacier National Park Checklist
☑️ Park Pass (🔗 America the Beautiful Pass)
☑️ Going-to-the-Sun Road Reservation (🔗 Get It Here)
☑️ Binoculars & Camera for wildlife watching
☑️ Layers of Clothing (mountain weather changes FAST!)
☑️ Bear Spray
☑️ Plenty of Snacks & Water (few food stops in the park)
☑️ Offline Maps (No cell service in most areas!)
🚗 Is Glacier Worth Visiting as a First-Timer?
Without a doubt! Glacier National Park is one of those bucket list destinations that offers unreal scenery, beginner friendly hikes, and some incredible wildlife encounters. You’ll know exactly where to go, what to see, and how to explore like a pro with my help!
📌 Follow along for more first-timer guides!
